akira212104/28/02 at 13:19:26#1As the subject header says "when someone significant-other is not one that follows the Middle-Path. I am looking to hear other peoples stories or reflection on the subject. As we all have seek refuge and cultivate under the guidence of our Guru my girlfriend is a devoted Roman-Catholic. She is someone who I don't see converting any time soon though I pray for her well being always.
At first she didn't want to hear anything about Buddhaism slowy, but surley she learns little bits. Almost like when one starts kindergrden gotta take it nice and slow to learn. There are certain big topics that come up like if we were to get married?? I wouldn't even know how to ansewer!! Please if someone wishes to inform how one family acts please share. Om Mani Padme Hum!!!
Lyciss04/28/02 at 14:47:55#2Re: When Significant-Other Doesn't follow the Pathhey Akira,
it all depends on how important it is to you if your significant other practices buddhism or her catholic faith... there is no need for her to convert to buddhism... if you want to live in harmony with others and avoid as much suffering as possible it wouldnt matter what religion you follow... it all comes down to insite into yourself and compassion for other beings to make this happen not a religion... but dont get me wrong buddhism is one great way to learn how to live in harmony with other people...
a good buddhist allows others to be who they want to be and if they seek guidance you try to point them in the right direction... instead of forcing the bliefs onto a person who either isnt interested or has another faith... by doing so you could be doing more harm then good...
there is one thing you can do for your girlfriend that will indirectly without the need to "preach" or "debate" the topic of how "right" you think "the right path" is and Grand Master's Dharma... you can take refuge for her... fill out a form and donation to be given to the buddhas on her behalf... and you recieve and hold the certificate... in time her interests in buddhism may grow in a healthy way rather than by force... she may have a dream with Grand Master or see the buddhas... this is a peaceful way of presenting the Dharma to those who might not be so accepting with the use of words...
i hope this helps Akira...
just practice diligently and let her be how she wants
take refuge for her...
in time she may see buddhism has nice ethics
her curiosity may grow to the point of becomming
a TBS student and may start practicing with you...
om mani padme hum
akira212105/03/02 at 07:10:44#3Re: When Significant-Other Doesn't follow the Path Lyciss, I humbly thank you for that wondeful insight on the matter. I have thought about sending a letter to that Guru in that format. Yes, if one thing I definalty learn in my eariler days even when I didn't have faith was not to push in any way shape or form one's belief on another. Thank you and I hopefully look forward to more insight!!! Om Mani Padme Hum!!